A blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom has been identified in areas of Wheatland County.
Eagle Lake and Severn Creek Resevoir (commonly known as Severn Dam) both have advisories in place, and area residents as well as visitors are advised to take precautions.
According to Alberta Health Services (AHS), people and pets should avoid all contact with the algae blooms and should not swim or wade in Eagle Lake or Severn Dam. AHS also advises that people do not feed any fish from these bodies of water to their pets, and, “consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver.”
Alan Parkin, Chief Administrative Officer, Wheatland County, agrees. “We have not yet had any reports of people or pets being affected by the blue-green algae in either Eagle Lake or Severn Dam,” he said, “but the potential is certainly there”.
He explained that some of the affects of coming into contact with or ingesting water containing the bacteria include: skin irritation or rash; sore throat and eyes; fever; and/or nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. “This can be avoided by avoiding the water,” he stressed.
Blue-green algae is naturally occurring, and often looks like scum, grass clippings or fuzz. It can be blue-green in colour, but may also be a green, brown or pink colour, and often smells musty.
“Wheatland County is advising all area residents, visitors and pets to avoid the blue-green algae blooms at Eagle Lake and Severn Dam,” Parkin warns. “This advisory will remain in place for the remainder of the season. We want everyone to stay healthy.
